Ghana Government Commits GHS200 Million to Resolve Free SHS Food Crisis
In a significant development for Ghana’s education sector, the government has taken decisive steps to address the ongoing food supply challenges in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) program. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama, announced that robust measures are being implemented to prevent future shortages.
Quick Highlights:
- Government releases GHS200 million for school feeding program
- Immediate food distribution was ordered by President Mahama
- New measures planned to prevent future shortages
- The previous administration’s planning criticized
Addressing Immediate Concerns
“The situation demanded immediate action,” Kwakye Ofosu explained during an interview on Channel One Newsroom. Speaking candidly about the challenges, he revealed how the administration had to respond swiftly to a crisis where schools were facing reopening without adequate food supplies.
The spokesperson detailed how President Mahama’s administration took two key actions:
- Ordered immediate food distribution to affected schools
- Released GHS200 million through the Ghana Education Service for food procurement
Critical Review of Previous Implementation
Kwakye Ofosu didn’t mince words when discussing the root causes of the crisis. He pointed to “poor planning and poor implementation of the education policy” by the previous administration as key factors that led to the current challenges.
A particularly concerning aspect was the handling of the school reopening schedule. According to Ofosu, when headmasters requested a delay in school reopening due to food shortages, their appeals were dismissed, leading to a difficult situation for many institutions.
Looking Forward: New Measures
The government’s response marks a turning point in the management of the Free SHS program. “Going forward, adequate measures will be put in place to ensure that we have enough food to feed the students,” Kwakye Ofosu assured.